Further Reading (2014-15)

Relevant publications and books

If you enjoyed Empire and would like to further your reading on the subject, below are some of the best books published in the last couple of years that cover a range of subjects and perspectives:

John Darwin, Unfinished Empire: The Global Expansion of Britain (2013) A very readable Penguin paperback by a distinguished historian of the British empire—Darwin argues that the British empire was many things: never a coherent set of ideas or institutions, never a ‘finished’ project.

Catherine Hall, Macaulay and Son: Architects of Imperial Britain (2012) A scholarly study, but very readable, from one of the leading historians of the British empire working today—Hall is especially interested in how empire shaped and made modern Britons . . . their world-views, politics, tastes and attitudes.

Ashley Jackson, The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction (2013) The best way into the subject for anyone looking for a short introduction by a professional historian. Shorter, snappier and very different to the Paxman book.

Philippa Levine, The British Empire: Sunrise to Sunset (2013) Probably the best student textbook around at the moment—an revised and expanded edition of a synopsis that seeks to narrate the history of the empire while reflecting the new findings and scholarly debates that have shaped this field in recent years.

Below are Empire related publications, written by our very own researchers and staff

Across the University and our community we have experts that are leading research and education in topics that relate to this year’s book, Empire. This page directs you to courses, individuals and University webpages all linked to the One Book, One Southampton 2014/2015 choice, as well as detailing external sites and information.

Empire Online is a remarkable collection of readable essays by experts. It includes selections from a range of primary documents all about different aspects of imperialism and colonial rule, with beautiful illustrations: http://www.empire.amdigital.co.uk/

Some first year modules at the University touch on aspects of British imperial and colonial history:

HIST1151, ‘World Histories’: This is a new compulsory core module taken by all History students. It takes a global overview of the study of history—and therefore includes many of the themes of trade, connection, migration, conquest and imperialism

HIST1089, ‘Histories of Empire’: An optional ‘Cases and Contexts’ module that focuses on the theme of empire in general and the British empire in particular.

HIST1137, ‘Revolutionary America’: A C&C about the events that led to an imperial civil war in the British empire between 1775 and 1783—leading to the creation of the USA and the reconfiguration of the British empire.

Second and third year modules include options about the British Atlantic world, British India, the Voyages of Captain Cook, Visions of Empire, Race and immigration to Britain, Slavery and Freedom, and the rise and fall of the British empire in Africa. Explore History’s website for more information: www.southampton.ac.uk/history